EC recalls ballot papers for Western and Eastern regions

The Electoral Commission (EC) has recalled ballot papers sent to the Eastern and Western Regions a few hours before the special voting exercise.

This follows a reported incident involving defaced ballot papers.

The special voting exercise is scheduled for today, Monday, December 2.

However, special voting in these two regions has been rescheduled to Thursday, December 5, to allow for the reprinting and redistribution of the affected ballots.

Speaking at an emergency press briefing on Sunday, December 1, Mrs Jean Mensa, the Chairperson of the EC, noted that the decision was prompted by a report from National Security, which revealed that a single defaced ballot paper, earmarked for destruction, had been found at the Checkpoint Printing House, the facility responsible for producing the ballot papers for the two regions.

The commission has commenced the reprinting process and assured the public that strict measures are being implemented to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

Mrs Mensa reaffirmed the Electoral Commission’s dedication to transparency and a credible electoral process.

Meanwhile, the EC has urged all voters and candidates to remain calm and cooperate as steps are taken to resolve the issue.

The special voting exercise allows specific groups of registered voters, including journalists and security personnel, to cast their votes ahead of the general election due to their roles in the December 7 event.